More Phoenix-area fire departments add pet-saving kits

By Jim Cross | February 5, 2014 at 10:01 amUPDATED: February 5, 2014 at 10:01 am

PHOENIX — As of Wednesday every Chandler and Phoenix fire truck will be carrying lifesaving equipment designed to help pets.

The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association raised more than $10,000 to put Fido Bag CPR kits on the trucks. Oxygen masks designed to fit any cat or dog along with other pet-size gear such as bandages and slings.

“We’ve had 11 saves in the past three weeks in the Valley using the Fido Bags,” Phoenix Fire Capt. Russ Kirk said.

Seven puppies were killed in a house fire in Chandler last week. Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Keith Hargis said dealing with animals at a fire is much different than dealing with people.

“They’re small, scared and they like to hide in an area of the home they’re familiar with,” he said. “They’re often causalities and it’s devastating for families.”

Tempe, Glendale and Peoria also have the Fido Bags on their trucks.

The Fetch Foundation provided the Fido Kits which are used by many departments nationwide and in Canada. The CPR kits are also used by US military in Afghanistan.